Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada dnylen, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slabs remain active. Be prepared to alter your plans if you see signs of instability.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday in the Bullmoose area; small windslabs of varying ages (some fresh and some old and hard) were reported. See photos here.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine, up to 15 cm of recent snow is heavily wind affected and sits above a variety of old snow surfaces including wind-scoured snow and faceted snow. At treeline and below, the recent snow sits on a widespread crust and pockets of surface hoar.

The snowpack is shallow and faceted with multiple crusts. Pockets of deeper snow may be found near ridges, gully features, and established avalanche paths. Average snowpack depths at treeline are between 50 and 90 cm.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with 5-10cm of snow, southwest alpine wind 30-50 km/h, treeline temperature -15 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 3 cm of snow, southwest alpine wind 30-40 km/h, treeline temperature -14 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with a trace of snow, south alpine wind 20 km/h, treeline temperature -18 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow, southwest alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Northeast wind likely created complicated patterns of wind effect, and formed wind slabs on south and east-facing slopes.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2024 4:00PM